Bravissimo! A new authentic Italian restaurant has arrived on the Surf Coast
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12.07.2021

Bravissimo! A new authentic Italian restaurant has arrived on the Surf Coast

Words by Brandon Davis

Il Capitano is bringing the taste of Italy to The Great Ocean Road.

Australia, and especially Victoria, has always had a rich Italian heritage; cultural landmarks like Melbourne’s Little Italy Lygon Street are a testament to this. But some of Victoria’s best Italian restaurants and venues aren’t just found in Melbourne. In fact, they’re everywhere, and one more has just been added to that list!

If you’re craving an authentic Mediterranean feast, there’s nowhere quite like Anglesea’s newest Eurocentric eatery, Il Capitano. The Surf Coast restaurant has something for everyone, combining staple Italian dishes with the sweet and savoury delicacies of its next-door companion Coastal Crepes and Wine.

Stationed at 141 Great Ocean Road, the venue delivers stunning views of the coast and is walking distance from the heart of Anglesea. The interior is simple and elegant, featuring a modernised European style, and a large, showstopping fish tank inset in one of the walls. A combination of stone, metal and wooden surfaces gives a subtle industrial vibe, while a healthy dose of indoor plants keep things feeling organic and lively. There’s even a fireplace for those cold winter nights!

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Fans of Italian cuisine will appreciate Il Capitan’s commitment to an authentic menu and dining experience. Their menu is faithful to Italian tradition, consisting of fine seasonal Italian cuisine, premium wines and signature cocktails. A fantastic selection of entrees and main courses are offered alongside traditional and gourmet pizza and pasta dishes, with vegetarian and vegan options to boot. There are even take-away and private catering options!

Whatever your tastes or dietary requirements, Il Capitan has your needs met. The breakfast menu is served from 8am until 12pm, and includes pancakes, chocolate waffles, granola, vegan porridge, omelettes, eggs your way (served with bacon, of course) and more. As we head into the afternoon, the lunch menu features many indulgent options including mushroom arancini, fried calamari, beer-battered fish, pizza and pasta, with takeaway options including focaccias, ciabatta sandwiches, wraps, salad bowls and an assortment of pastries, tarts and cakes. As for drinks, you can expect the essentials during the day – coffee, smoothies, juices, iced drinks and hot chocolate.

And don’t forget, you’ll have access to the full Coastal Crepes and Wines menu, including sweet and savoury options! Choose from the La Fruit Rouge, with strawberry coulis, blueberries and vanilla ice cream; the La Caramel Beurre Sale, with salted caramel butter and vanilla ice cream; or perhaps the La Nutella Banane, complete with Nutella, banana, almonds, vanilla ice cream and shredded coconut. Or if warm galettes are more your style, you’ll find the L’australienne with smashed avo, baby beetroots and feta cheese; a La Fermiere with chicken, mushrooms, bechamel and cheese; or of course the La Complete with ham, egg and gruyere cheese.

From 6pm until 9pm, the Il Capitan dinner menu is home to a range of Italian-style favourites, each with its own unique home-grown flair. Choose from the Tuscan Scotch Fillet Steak served Medium Rare with broccolini, sauteed field mushrooms, crispy chat potatoes, grilled lemon, finished with chilli and garlic herb butter; the Veal Saltimbocca with prosciutto, sage, lemon, grilled asparagus, crispy chat potatoes, served with creamy mushroom sauce; or the Chicken Cacciatore with capsicum, onion, olives and mushrooms, slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce served with grilled flatbread and garnished with parsley.

And of course, what Italian dining experience is complete without wine? Pair your afternoon or evening meal with a regular and premium sparkling, white and red wine to enjoy by the bottle or by the glass, summer beers and a classic yet colourful cocktail list. You’ll find reliable favourites; French Martini, Negroni and Espresso Martini. Or if you’re feeling summery, go for a Pineapple Mojito or Aperol Spritz.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a few cocktails by the seaside, or you’re searching for that new favourite pasta dish, Il Capitan’s warm, inviting atmosphere has something for everybody. Be sure to check out this sanctuary of Italian pride and cultural heritage!

You can find Il Capitan at Shop 1, 2 & 3 141 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea. They are open Wednesday – Sunday from 8am – 10pm.

Visit the website or call 03 5263 1173 to book.